Women's Resource and Development Agency

The Women's Resource and Development Agency (WRDA) was formed in the 1990s to counter gender inequalities in education and employment. They continue to support and empower women’s groups and networks in Northern Ireland, providing training opportunities around women’s health, voices, and leadership. For over 20 years WRDA has delivered an award-winning Community Facilitators programme, providing opportunities for local women to develop leadership and facilitation skills. WRDA is the Secretariat for the Women’s Policy Group (WPG) and coordinated the development of the WPG General Election Women’s Manifesto 2019.

This manifesto, which was donated to the Linen Hall Library by Rachel Powell, on behalf of WRDA, sets out key areas of concern for women in Northern Ireland and makes policy recommendations for elected representatives across several pillars, including economy, health, social justice, and culture. Other archives documenting the activities of the Women's Resource and Development Agency can be found in the Women's Rights, Periodicals, Marie Mulholland, Women's Ephemera, and Education collections at the Linen Hall Library.